Joyce El-Khoury was the star of the evening. Not only is the vocal range of the role enormous, she exercised complete control over the coloratura and the dynamics; at times the pianissimo top notes were spine-tingling.
-BachTrack.com

The week leading up to performing this rare and powerful work at Barbican Hall (London, UK), it was recorded under the baton of Sir Mark Elder. It is set to be released by Opera Rara later in 2013. For now, here are some photographs from the sessions (both recording and preparing).

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“Soprano Joyce El-Khoury is taking on the role of the vengeful wife of a Byzantine general in Donizetti’s Belisario this weekend. Sir Mark Elder is conducting a live performance with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican this Sunday, as well as making a studio recording for Opera Rara. We spoke to her during a break in recording sessions.”
-Elizabeth Davis, BBC Music Magazine (Click to read the full interview)